Trent Bridge

Fixture News | 26th May 2007

Notts sign extra bowling cover

Nottinghamshire have moved quickly to cover
for Ryan Sidebottom's international call-up by signing former England A bowler
Simon Francis until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old right-arm fast-medium
bowler has gone straight into the Notts squad for their Friends Provident
Trophy meeting with Derbyshire on Bank Holiday Monday after a successful trial
period.

Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: "We
only had six seamers on the staff at the start of the season and with Ryan
Sidebottom playing for England and AJ Harris injured, we couldn't operate with
just four quick bowlers.

"Simon is an experienced bowler who has
bowled well for us in the Second XI this year and will give us cover in an area
where we are thin.

"He can slot straight into the team if
necessary and there's every chance he will play on Monday."

Francis began his career at Hampshire
before moving to Somerset in 2002. He toured Malaysia and India with England A
in 2003-04 but only made three Championship appearances in 2006 before being
released at the end of last season.

He was working in sales and marketing for a
marquee company over the winter before getting the trial at Trent Bridge in
pre-season.

He said: "After being released by Somerset
I had to make plans for life away from cricket and it made me appreciate how
lucky professional cricketers are.

"I didn't want to get to the age of 33 and
wish I had given county cricket one more go and my love for cricket has been
reinvigorated in the last four months.

"I'm determined to make the most of this
opportunity but I've got no expectations beyond mucking in with the squad and
doing my very best for Notts over the rest of the season."

Francis has 135 first-class wickets at an
average of 40.89, and 77 wickets in limited-overs cricket at 34.33.

Injury news:Francis is part of a 13-man squad for the
match with Derbyshire, with his greater experience of the white ball preferred
to Footitt.Jason Gallian makes way for Fleming at the
top of the order.